Albumin in the pump prime: its effect on postoperative weight gain

An investigation was conducted to determine whether adding albumin to the prime of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit had any effect on postoperative weight gain. Patients undergoing non-emergency myocardial revascularization for coronary artery disease were divided into two groups. Group I (albumin) received 250 ml of 5% human albumin in their pump prime, whereas group II (control) served as controls. The same surgeon, anesthesia technique, perfusion circuit and conduct, and postoperative management were employed for all patients in the study. No statistically significant differences could be found between the groups for any of the variables studied, including fluid intake during surgery and the first 24 h postoperation, urine output, fluid balance and postoperative weight gain. The authors conclude from this investigation that adding 250 ml of 5% human albumin to the pump prime has no effect on postoperative weight gain. The next step could be to examine the effect of using larger amounts of albumin or plasma volume expanders in the pump prime.